‘I Trusted Them’: Joburg Man’s Car Deal Nightmare: Hidden Crash History, Endless Repairs

Wesley Joubert thought he was buying his first car. Instead, he says he bought a nightmare.

The 29-year-old from Ferndale in Randburg bought a Ford Fiesta ST from Rifle Range Car Sales in August 2024 for R169,000.

Just over three months later, the engine allegedly failed. That was the start of a saga that has left him financially and emotionally drained.

The First-Time Buyer

Joubert, a first-time car buyer, was unaware that used vehicles often come with a DEKRA condition report detailing accident history, inspections, and mechanical condition.

“I was referred to the dealership by someone I know, and I had no reason to doubt them. Being a first-time buyer, I didn’t know what to look out for. I trusted them. Looking back, I feel like that trust was taken advantage of.”

The Repairs

According to Joubert:

• The dealership replaced the engine after the initial failurea process that took nearly four months

• When he went to collect the car, the engine failed three times during testing

• Subsequent issues included oil seal failures, leaking fuel injectors, and cylinder head problems

• The vehicle reportedly remained in workshops for months at a time

He estimates the vehicle has undergone more than 10 repairs related to engine or mechanical faults since he bought it.

The Accident History

Joubert later tried to sell the vehicle to a car-buying company to cut his losses. During the process, he claims he was informed the car had been in an accident.

“They told me the car had been bought from an auction house that only deals with accident-damaged vehicles. I then obtained the history report myself, and it confirmed that information.”

A First Check report showed the car was involved in an accident in 2016 and underwent major repairs. It further stated the car was in poor condition.

The Dealership’s Response

When Joubert approached the dealership with the report, they insisted the car had been bought from a client and there were no reports indicating previous accident damage.

“Not sure where you got the information from. But we checked Autobid and there was no accident damage on this car at all. No claims have been submitted.”

However, the screenshot they provided carried a disclaimer: the report is not guaranteed to contain a full history of all repair quotes.

The Current Situation

Joubert says the dealership has now refused further assistance. He’s left paying instalments for a car he says he can barely use.

The Bottom Line

R169,000. Ten repairs. A hidden crash history. And a first-time buyer who trusted and lost.

Joubert’s nightmare is a warning to every used car buyer: get the report, check the history, and never assume trust is enough.

{Source: IOL}

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